Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

SR-22 Insurance FAQs

SR-22s (often referred to as “SR22 insurance") are often required for drivers who've had their licenses suspended due to driving without insurance, DUIs, or other serious violations.

Because SR-22s (and the similar FR-44) can be confusing, we've provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this financial responsibility requirement.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that ensures that you are meeting your state's car insurance requirements, and that you will continue to meet these requirements for a specified amount of time (generally 3 years).

Who needs an SR-22?

You are most likely to be required to file an SR-22 if:

You are convicted of a DUI/DWI.

You are found to be driving while uninsured.

You are involved in a serious injury-causing accident.

You have a large number of points on your driving record.

Often, an SR-22 is required for reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles will inform you if you need to file an SR-22.

Is an SR-22 a type of car insurance?

SR-22s are often referred to as “SR22 insurance." However, this is a bit of a misnomer, as they are not really a type of insurance. SR-22 is more accurately defined as a type of proof of insurance.

How do I get an SR-22?

Because SR-22s are primarily linked with serious violations, purchasing and filing an SR-22 is not as simple as sending a standard proof of auto insurance to your DMV.

You will first need to contact your car insurance company to inform them of your need for an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. Note that an SR-22 requirement will typically change your insurance risk factor to high, which means your car insurance company may not offer to file an SR-22 for you because they do not cover high-risk drivers. This means you may have to find a new insurance provider.

Once you've found a company to insure you, you will need to have them file the SR-22 with the appropriate government department. You cannot file an SR-22 on your own.

An SR-22 is meant to be certified proof that you have and will continue to have the legally mandated required car insurance limits. To guarantee authenticity, the SR-22 must come straight from the car insurance provider.

How long do I need an SR-22?

This answer may vary from state to state. However, SR-22s are commonly required for a minimum of 3 years.

If you commit another violation or are involved in another instance that may require an SR-22 filing within the initial mandated time period, you may be required to file your SR-22 for longer.

If you remain violation- and incident-free within the specified time, however, you will likely be eligible to purchase car insurance in the standard market. For questions or concerns, speak to your auto insurance agent.

How much does an SR-22 cost?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as prices vary from state to state and from each person seeking an SR-22. Insurance quotes always vary amongst providers, so make sure you check the prices of several car insurance companies.

Keep in mind, however, that SR-22s are typically linked to high-risk behavior, and you will most likely be categorized in the high-risk tier of car insurance.

Once labeled high-risk, you are likely to pay much higher rates than those drivers classified as standard risk.

Will my insurance rates go up?

While car insurance rates are specific to every driver, you can expect to pay more when you are given an SR-22 filing requirement.

SR-22 insurance requirements are directly related to violations and incidents that are almost guaranteed to increase your rates. For more information, please see our section on car insurance rating factors.

Do I have to pay up front?

Because an SR-22 is proof of current and future car insurance, you may not be able to pay your auto insurance premium in monthly payments. Instead, you may be required to purchase each policy term up front.

Where do I get an SR-22?

The first place to check for an SR-22 is with your car insurance company. If your current provider is not able to file an SR-22 for you, try shopping for car insurance companies that can.

You can get online car insurance quotes from companies who specialize in the high-risk market.

What is an FR-44?

An FR-44 is similar to an SR-22 and is only required in a small handful of states. The main difference between an FR-44 and an SR-22 is that where an SR-22 is typically proof that you are meeting the state's minimum insurance requirements, an FR-44 may require you to purchase car insurance limits that are higher than the state's minimum requirements.